Great Eataways

Written by Bakersfield Magazine

We’re big fans of food here at Bakersfield Magazine. That shouldn’t really come as a shocker for those who regularly read our food section. Or those of you who’ve been on our Foodie Tour. Or those of you who download recipes from our seemingly endless archive online. We like food a lot, is what we’re saying. And, because of our proximity to the coast, we also enjoy a leisurely day trip to the beach.

We thought, why not combine the two and make a Great Getaways story that could rival any of our food features. Here then, is a list comprised of nine reader-recommended restaurants outside of Bakersfield, which don’t require more than half a tank of gas to get to—and which happen to prepare some killer cuisine (not to be confused with the song by Queen).

Cracked Crab

751 Price St. • Pismo Beach • (805)773-2722

Having spent the past 11 years doling out delectable shellfish (we’re guessing a lot of which is crab) to the locals and any tourist who happens to stop by, Cracked Crab has made a big name for themselves with the casual and comfortable ambiance they provide...in which you can relax while gorging on butter-soaked bites of crustaceans. They’re not big on reservations (just walk-in) and you might just see a lot of Bakersfieldians there during the winter. Apparently it’s the best time to make the trip...and no-doubt order their specialty—which is a bucket for two of, you guessed it, some of the best shellfish around.

Rosa’s Ristorante Italiano

491 Price St. • Pismo Beach • (805)773-0551

No, it’s not a chain. This superb Italian eatery, located in Pismo for the past 21 years, comes from the same family as Bakersfield’s Rosa’s (and Sorella’s) and offers up seasonal favorites to all the diners it can handle...roughly 30 percent of which are from Bakersfield. Dress nicely, however, as Rosa’s qualifies as fine dining. Heaven forbid you don’t get the chance to try their award-winning cioppino (a tomato-based seafood stew) or their clam chowder, which blends traditional chowder flavors with an Italian kick. The restaurant also boasts an impressive bar which is always packed, but get there early as this place operates on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Dorn’s Original Breakers Cafe

801 Market St. • Morro Bay • (805)772-4415

As any great seafood restaurant does, Dorn’s Breakers Cafe will base its menu on what’s locally running at the time. They focus on what’s fresh and what’s in season. That’s probably why they see tons of people from the Valley stopping by to feast on savory seafood year round. And talk about a view—you’re overlooking Morro Bay while you dine on succulent crab, lobster, clams, and anything else that comes fresh out of the ocean (that qualifies as food). It’s a casual, family-run place but you’re guaranteed a fine-dining experience. That’s why reservations are recommended!

Great American Fish Company

1185 Embarcadero • Morro Bay • (805)772-4407

We’re hard-pressed to write anything about this place that isn’t already apparent by their name. Still, we’ll give it a try since we figure you’ll want a bit more information. First of all, nothing says fun like being able to dine over the water, especially with such a family-oriented, casual ambiance. They’ve been cookin’ up flavorful bites since 1981, and their specialty is something not many people think of when they hear “seafood.” They’re big on serving up fish that’s been hanging out over a mesquite grill for a while. It’s probably why they get their fair share of Bakersfield travelers trekking over. You won’t need to bother with a reservation unless it’s a special occasion—like Mother’s Day...or Eat A Lot Of Grilled Fish Day (soon to have its own Hallmark Card).

Wine Cask

813 Anacapa St. • Santa Barbara • (805)966-9463

Wine Cask Restaurant is touted as a majestic space in historic El Paseo. Items on their menu range from comfort-style seafood to elegant dishes like their specialty: the Wine Cask Cassoulet, consisting of white beans, duck leg confit, braised pork cheek, and Farpoint Ranch sausage. Mouth watering a bit?

And, given the name of this establishment, which has been serving up the goods for over 20 years, it’s a sure bet they’ll tempt you with complementary wines perfectly tailored to your meal. It’s a neighborhood-style restaurant, so it’s casual (which is a plus for all the Bakersfield folk who drop by) but it’s got a great downtown vibe. They do accept reservations for the dining room.

The Harbor Restaurant

210 Stearns Wharf • Santa Barbara • (805)963-3311

When the unofficial motto of the restaurant is “it’s always smooth sailing,” it’s a sure bet your meal will be nautically-themed. The Harbor Restaurant features exquisite dining and some of Santa Barbara’s most spectacular ocean views. The menu is expansive, with seafood and steaks, and their ever-popular Potato-Crusted Fresh Salmon dish. Since it’s located on a pier that’s more than 150 years old, you can get your fill of the local history while you get your fill of local flavors.

Moonstone Beach Bar & Grill

6550 Moonstone Beach Dr. • Cambria • (805)927-3859

For the last 17 years, Moonstone Beach has accommodated diners from all parts of California and the United States who are looking for upscale, yet affordable seafood and ambiance. Touted as one of the only full-service restaurant in the area, Moonstone Beach will definitely wow you with their menu, especially the Seared Sea Scallops with Citrus-Honey Glaze. If you’re not hungry by now, check your pulse. Reservations aren’t required—it’s more of a first come, first serve type of place, which suits everyone just fine at this laid back, yet elegant bar and grill.

The Sow’s Ear

2248 Main St. • Cambria • (805)927-4865

During the summer, expect to find quite a few Bakersfield diners flocking to The Sow’s Ear. For 30 years, they’ve been serving up upscale comfort food like chicken fried steak and macaroni and cheese (made with Andouille sausage, smoked chicken, sun-dried tomatoes and three very grown-up cheeses, including gruyere, blue, and parmesan) alongside savory steaks and lobster pot pie. They don’t open until 5 p.m. and reservations are accepted but not required. Though the name doesn’t suggest it, The Sow’s Ear has been voted not only one of the most romantic places to dine, but also has been recognized by Zagat as having the best service on the Central Coast!

Hog’s Breath Restaurant & Bar

San Carlos and 5th • Carmel • (831)625-1044

We’ll admit it. We’re really anxious to try the “Dirty Harry Hamburger.” This Clint Eastwood-owned restaurant has more going for it than a cleverly-named burger, though. The ambiance is casual, rustic, and very mellow, but you’ll also be treated to some succulent dishes while dining there including a presumably rugged (yet tender) prime rib. You can either make a reservation or walk-in to this place, which has been around for 38 years...coincidentally started around the same time Mr. Eastwood was starring in Dirty Harry. Or maybe it’s no coincidence at all. But what can’t be chalked up to coincidence is the fun you’ll have while eating great food—Dirty Harry wouldn’t have it any other way.

Do you know of a great restaurant we missed? Email us at comments@bakersfieldmagazine.net and give us the name of the place so we can add it to our list!

Article appeared in our 27-4 Issue - October 2010